Young people's conception of HIV/AIDS and the use of condoms in sexual intercourse

The aim of this study was to gather knowledge regarding the conception of young people as for HIV/AIDS and the use of condoms in sexual intercourse. Survey conducted in May, 2012, at a public school in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, with eleven young people of both sexes. The chosen technique of investigation was a semi-structured interview. Empirical data were organized according to categorical content analysis, the following categories emerging: "AIDS: what young people think", "AIDS prevention methods" and one subcategory "Trust in the partner as a method for HIV/AIDS prevention". As observed, there is knowledge of condom use as a preventive method against HIV/AIDS; trust in the partner and faithfulness were also cited as preventive methods in both sexes. It is suggested that, when investing in national and regional proposals, not only social inequalities are to be considered, but especially the local realities of different young people in different national scenarios